November 7, 2005

More than four out of five adults (83%) believe the UK should aim to be self sufficient in energy. That's one of the main findings of a new opinion poll by Ipsos MORI.

It was commissioned by EDF Energy as part of its contribution to the important debate on the country's future energy policy. The survey of 1,931 adults was conducted through face to face interviews between 21st and 27th October.

Amongst the other main findings: only 43% of adults are aware of a looming energy gap in the years ahead as old coal and nuclear power stations close down.

Wind power is the favourite choice of Britons to fill the energy gap in the future with 72% supporting that option.

On climate change, nearly four out of five adults (79%) believe the most important thing is to reduce global warming by producing less carbon dioxide.

On nuclear power, 54% of people believe it should be part of the future energy – with coal, gas and wind – despite its disadvantages.

On planning regulations, 39% of adults say they should be changed to make it easier to build nuclear power stations on the same sites as old ones, while 25% disagreed.